Water parks' opening signals summer's debut
Every year, we get teased by those tantalizing tastes of summer, when the glowing sun and warm breezes prompt an instant wardrobe change to shorts and swimwear.
Just as quick, Mother Nature's mood will change. But it comes with a wink; we all know the hot, steamy summer days are sure to arrive.
On our calendar, that time begins Memorial Day weekend - when Splash Country Water Park and Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center open for the season.
The two water parks - one on Aurora's far west side and the other on the east side of Montgomery - will be open for the three-day weekend (May 27-29) as a preview. Both parks will be open daily beginning June 3.
That's why the time is right - now - to make plans for keeping cool during the solar vortex that's sure to come. The Fox Valley Park District has just the ticket - a two-sided one at that. It's a double-dandy season pass to two water parks for one low price.
Through May 31, these bargain-busting season passes are available at the early-bird discount - just $55 for those younger than 13 ($65 for those older than 13). Then there's an even better bargain - the Family 4-Pass at $220 - that equates to just $55 per person. Order online here.
The great thing about a season pass is that you're good to go every day, all summer long, at both Splash and Phillips. Heck, visit both in the same day, every day, if you'd like.
These blue-water bargains also come with added benefits. As a pass holder, you're granted VIP treatment with early admission (15 minutes) privileges on weekdays before the general public is granted access. You'll waltz right past the daily admission window and, on three select dates, you can bring a guest for free.
And don't forget the price breaks you'll enjoy for aquatic program fees and rentals, special event admissions and the $15 discount for birthday parties and after-hour rentals.
Simple math computes to a great discount. Based on daily admission rates, a season pass will pay for itself in little more than a week. After that, it's the equivalent of free admission for the rest of the summer.
The buzz of excitement at Phillips is especially amped up this year with a new deep pool climbing wall ready to be unveiled. Sited in the deep water plunge pool adjacent to the two famously fun drop slides, the climbing wall is sure to be a hit.
A lively collection of new jet sprayers will bring even more crazy fun to the activity play area. Meanwhile, moms will be happy to see the many new shade sail structures throughout the park.
Those new features will complement Phillips' four slides - two of the winding flume variety and the two drop slides that create the sensation of going over the edge of a cliff on a waterfall - an exhilarating plunge into the placid pool below.
Splash Country has two twisting flume slides and its famous "lazy river" that winds through dumping buckets, sprayers, water jets and bubbling rapids.
Both parks include kid-friendly sections with spray guns, waterfalls and sand areas, with beach volleyball courts for teens and adults. Lap-lane swimming is also available at designated times.
Family fun is priceless, and keeping it affordable assures that it stays that way.
The season for wet and wild fun is oh, so close. Make the most of it by tucking a season pass in your pocket.
• Jeff Long (jlong@fvpd.net) is the public affairs and communications manager for the Fox Valley Park District. Order season passes online here.